Driving Our Economy Forward: Harrah’s Casino

January 25, 2024

WDEF News,

CHEROKEE, N.C. (WDEF) — There are two casinos close by, owned by the same Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

We are learning more about the two properties operated by Caesars Entertainment, which employs over 4,000 people.

It’s another example of what’s driving our economy forward.

Brian Saunooke is the regional vice president of marketing for Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos.

“As you may know, we have two casinos that are owned by the eastern band of Cherokee Indians and operated by Caesars Entertainment,” Saunooke said. “Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River is located in Murphy, North Carolina, and that’s roughly two hours away from Chattanooga. It opened in 2015. The casino in Murphy, North Carolina has approximately 300 hotel rooms and some of the other amenities that you might expect to find at a casino.”

“So, we’re kind of a little bit past the midway point on a $275 million expansion at the Valley River Casino and really starting to see what it’s going to look like at the completion. But between the two properties, we employ over 4,000 team members. So, a huge employer in western North Carolina,” Saunooke added.

“I want to point out these are good jobs as well. They start off at $15 an hour for non-tipped positions. You don’t necessarily think about the jobs in finance, the accounting jobs, the IT jobs, the facilities jobs that go along with projects like this. So, salaries and wages, our major input into the local economy, almost $130 million last year. Our major input into the local economy, almost $130 million, last year. We employ a lot of local vendors, but not payments to vendors. Totaled almost $180 million last year,” Saunooke explained.

“So, a really big impact in that way is, well, we are always hiring. So, as we get closer to the completion of this project, I would just encourage anyone that might consider a career in the casino industry to go to Harrow’s Cherokee jobs and look to see what’s available for you. Be a great time to start in this industry,” Saunooke concluded.